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For this dish, you'll need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper, to taste - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient adds a unique flavor. The chicken thighs give the dish its heartiness, while garlic and tomatoes add depth. Spinach brings a fresh touch. The cream ties everything together, creating that rich, smooth sauce. You can switch some ingredients if needed. For a lighter option, use chicken breast instead of thighs. If you want a vegan dish, swap chicken with mushrooms or tofu. Instead of heavy cream, try cashew cream for a nutty taste. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy. When shopping for ingredients, look for vibrant colors. Choose chicken that feels firm and has no strange smell. Pick tomatoes that are plump and fragrant. For spinach, select bright green leaves without wilting. Fresh herbs should smell strong and look lively. Quality ingredients make a huge difference in taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper, to taste - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Make sure to measure everything out. This helps your cooking go smoothly. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet. 3. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. 4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. 5. In the same pot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant. 6. Add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften. 7. Stir in the fresh spinach. Cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. 8. Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to mix well. 9. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Add the grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast). Stir until the sauce thickens slightly. 10. Return the seared chicken to the pot. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken. 11. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors together. When the dish is ready, garnish with fresh basil leaves. This adds a nice touch. Serve it warm and enjoy your creamy Tuscan chicken. The blend of flavors is sure to impress! To cook tender chicken, start with good-quality thighs. They have more fat, which keeps them juicy. Sear them in hot oil for a nice crust. Cook each side for about five minutes. Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F. Let the chicken rest after cooking. This helps keep it moist. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. Stir it well to combine. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer without the lid. This lets steam escape and reduces the liquid. Always taste it before serving to ensure it has the right consistency. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano while cooking. You can also mix in a splash of lemon juice for brightness. If you like some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. For a different twist, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes for extra depth. These small changes make a big impact! Pro Tips Perfectly Sear the Chicken: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This will help achieve a nice golden crust while keeping the inside juicy. Customize the Creaminess: For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth. This will still give you a delicious sauce without the extra calories. Fresh Herbs for Flavor: Adding fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can elevate the dish. Consider layering them in with the spinach for a more robust flavor. Let it Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish dairy-free. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut cream. It adds a nice sweetness. For cheese, try nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can still enjoy the creamy texture. Want to add more veggies? You can mix in bell peppers or zucchini. They add color and crunch. You can also use mushrooms for an earthy taste. Just sauté them with garlic before adding the cream. It makes the dish even better. If you prefer other meats, use chicken breast or turkey. Both work well. For a lighter option, try shrimp. Cook them quickly in the skillet. You can also use tofu for a plant-based meal. Just make sure to season it well for flavor. After enjoying your One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Let the dish cool down before sealing it. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to label the container with the date. To reheat your creamy chicken, you can use a microwave or a stovetop. For the microwave, place the chicken in a bowl and cover it. Heat on medium for about two minutes. Stir and heat more if needed. If using the stovetop, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to keep the sauce smooth. Stir gently until heated through. Preparing ahead can make dinner a breeze. You can marinate the chicken thighs the night before. Just season them with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Store them in the fridge. Chop the garlic and halve the cherry tomatoes in advance, too. You can even wash and dry the spinach. This way, when it’s time to cook, everything is ready to go. Enjoy a stress-free meal! You can make this dish ahead of time. First, cook the chicken and sauce as normal. Once done, let it cool. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for three days. When ready to eat, just reheat it on low heat. Stir it often until it's hot. This method saves you time on busy days. Yes, you can use other meats. Chicken breasts work well instead of thighs. You can also use turkey or pork. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Cook until the meat reaches a safe temperature. This keeps your meal safe and delicious. This dish pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with pasta or rice. Both soak up the creamy sauce nicely. A fresh salad with greens and vinaigrette adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce. These sides complete your meal perfectly. This guide covered everything you need for One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken. We looked at key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for great results. Remember to choose fresh ingredients for the best taste. Use my tips for making the dish tender, flavorful, and easy to store. You can customize it with dairy-free options or different proteins to fit your taste. With these steps, you'll cook a meal that's not just easy but also full of flavor. Enjoy your cooking!

One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken

A creamy and flavorful chicken dish cooked in one pot with Tuscan-inspired ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 thighs boneless, skinless chicken
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and sear them for about 5 minutes on each side until they're golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften.
  • Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream or coconut cream, stirring to combine.
  • Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Return the seared chicken to the pot, spooning the creamy sauce over the top, and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Use coconut cream for a dairy-free option and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan version.
Keyword chicken, creamy, one-pot, Tuscan